- Q1. How long will the program take?
This program is only for prospective students who already have an RN license. Most RNs now complete the Program in four semesters of study. That includes both upper division nursing courses (the Major) as well as upper division general education courses. With the advent of summer school and depending on which courses are offered in the summer, students may be able to complete the program in three semesters.
- Q2. Can I work while I am in the program?
Students are expected to work as registered professional nurses while in the Program. Some experienced nurses may elect to take time off from work while in the Program, but new graduates are expected to work as RNs. We recommend that new graduates enter in either the Spring semester after they graduate or the following Fall. Previous students will tell you how very difficult it is to start a new graduate program or first job in nursing while simultaneously starting the RN to BS Program. However, anyone wishing to start the RN to BS Program immediately after graduation is welcome to do so.
- Q3. Are the classes online or live?
Many of the courses have online components (using Blackboard software) but none are entirely online. Live classes are all held on the main SDSU campus. Students must be computer literate and have an e-mail address that they check regularly to succeed in the program. All written assignments must be typewritten/wordprocessed to be considered for grading.
- Q4. When do classes meet?
NURS 312 is only offered in the Fall semester and meets 3 hours a week. NURS 307 meets one day a week on either a Tuesday or Thursday. NURS 500 has a 3 hour lecture and a 6 hour lab every other week on a day to be announced each Fall. NURS 414, 458 and 452/454 have lecture on either Tuesdays or Thursdays in the morning or early afternoon and clinicals on Mondays or Wednesdays or Fridays during the day. NURS 452/454 include precepted clinicals which can be adjusted by the student to fit her/his schedule.
- Q5. Why should I select SDSU as my RN to BS Program?
SDSU School of Nursing graduates have excellent reputations throughout the community and the nation. Having SDSU on your resume will look very good when you apply for a new position. Lectures are given by doctorally prepared nurse educators with many years of teaching experience. Clinicals (except for those in NURS 452/454) have one faculty member per ten students. You will get lots of personal attention from SDSU’s dedicated nursing faculty. You will mix with other dynamic students like yourself. They will become your friends as well as colleagues while you study together and life long contacts in the nursing network.
- Q6. What if I have my Bachelor's Degree in another field?
We will put you in touch with the graduate program advisor after learning of your status so that you may gain entry to the Master’s of Science in Nursing Program after completing only three upper division nursing courses.
- Q7. Who can I contact for more information about the RN-to-BS program?
Contact the Program Advisor.
